Wassail(Great Holiday Drink)
A warm, spiced holiday drink combining apple cider, cranberry juice, and warming spices, perfect for festive gatherings and cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Press cloves into the orange.
- Place the orange in a heavy large saucepan.
- Add apple cider, cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and allspice to the saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until simmering.
- Reduce heat to low and let it warm for about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add dark rum if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg alongside the other spices. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the dark rum and replace it with more apple cider or a splash of ginger ale for fizz. Adjust the sugar based on your taste and the sweetness of your apple cider and cranberry juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve wassail warm in mugs, garnished with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for an attractive presentation. This drink pairs beautifully with holiday treats like Martha Pippens' Strawberry Pie or a cheese platter. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the wassail in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors and prevent evaporation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wassail(Great Holiday Drink) contains roughly 762 calories, with 14g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (230% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (202% of the Daily Value), and iron (98% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 57g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make wassail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare wassail a day in advance. Just follow the recipe but do not add the rum until you reheat and serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served warm.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use a mix of unsweetened apple juice and a bit of lemon juice for acidity. This will help mimic the flavor profile of apple cider while keeping your wassail delicious.
Is there a vegan version of wassail?
Yes, to make a vegan wassail, simply omit the dark rum or use a non-alcoholic alternative. Ensure that the apple cider and cranberry juice are vegan-friendly, and you can enjoy this festive drink without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).